The parents of M. W. Brother Joseph Mc Kendree Goodspeed emigrated from Massachusetts to the vicinity of Athens, Ohio in 1808 and there on June 20, 1834 Brother Goodspeed was born and passed the early years of his life. After receiving such training, as the pioneer schools of a territory were able to furnish, he completed his education at the Ohio University from which he graduated in 1859. He then entered the profession of teaching, but his work was suspended by the outbreak of the Civil War and his enlistment in the Union Army as an officer, were he compiled a most credible record. At the close of the war he became superintendent of public schools of Athens, a position he filled for 19 successive years. During many of these years he was concurrently serving as a Trustee of Ohio University.
In 1864 while he was employed in the commission house of R. R. Stewart, in Cincinnati, Ohio he married Miss Mary Clark, to this union two daughters were born, all preceded him in death.
M. W. Brother Goodspeed was initiated in Paramuthia Lodge No. 25 on November 27, 1866 passed to the Fellow Craft Degree on January 29, 1867 and raised a Master Mason on March 27, 1867. He served as Master of Paramuthia Lodge no. 25 for seven years, (1870-1875 inclusive and again from 1877-1879.
He was exalted in Athens Chapter No. 39 R. A. M. on April 8, 1869, High Priest of Athens Chapter for seven years. Advanced in Athens Council No. 15 R & S. M. on February 4, 1875, Illustrious Master of Athens Council for one year and Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of R & S. M. of Ohio in 1880 & 1881. He was created a Knight Templar in Athens Commandery No. 15 K. T. on October 12, 1870, Eminent Commander of Athens Commandery for four years.
He received the 32nd Degree in Ohio Consistory A. A. S. R. in Cincinnati, on October 22, 1877 He was made an honorary member, 33rd Degree, of the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction on September 15, 1885.
He served the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio as Senior Grand Warden in 1881 and 1882, Deputy Grand Master in 1883 and Most Worshipful Grand Master in the years 1884 and 1885.
A man of imposing presence, fine education and winning address, he filled the various positions in which he was called upon to serve with great credit and to the satisfaction of his associates.
Until the final two years of his life he was a regular and devoted attendant upon the various Grand Bodies. Death came to M. W. Brother Goodspeed on June 11, 1911 in Athens, Ohio. Past Grand Master Allen Andrews conducted Masonic services for M. W. Brother Goodspeed on June 12, 1911 in Athens, Ohio. Interment was in the West Union Cemetery, Section 1, Athens, Ohio.